No discrimination with Jammu says CM Omar
Jammu, Jan 13 : A development review meeting of Jammu district on Monday witnessed sharp exchanges between BJP MPs and MLAs and Minister for Youth Services and Sports and Transport Satish Sharma, as issues related to Statehood, development and the proposed National Law University (NLU) came to the fore.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Deputy Commissioner’s office Jammu, saw BJP legislators strongly countering remarks made by Satish Sharma, who reportedly linked certain developmental concerns to the delay in restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. BJP members objected, asserting that the meeting was meant to review development works and not to debate Statehood.
According to sources, BJP MLAs accused the Minister of diverting attention from development-related questions by raising the Statehood issue. They maintained that the government should respond to public grievances instead of shifting focus. BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma is learnt to have firmly rebutted Satish Sharma’s remarks, recalling his long electoral career and questioning the relevance of the Minister’s arguments.
BJP MLA from Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, also raised concern over the delay in ordering an inquiry into the Akhnoor stadium issue, despite earlier assurances.
Meanwhile, addressing reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected allegations of discrimination with Jammu over the proposed National Law University.
He questioned why similar objections were not raised earlier when institutions like IIT and IIM were established in Jammu.
“No final decision has been taken yet on the location of the National Law University. Let the government decide, and then concerns can be discussed,” Omar said, adding that the government remains committed to balanced development despite financial constraints.
Chief Minister further said that major policy decisions would be reflected in the next budget, as allocations made towards the end of the financial year often lapse. He assured that ongoing schemes would continue and minor gaps would be addressed.
Former minister and BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma later told reporters that the BJP was voicing genuine public issues. He alleged that the Chief Minister’s approach reflects a mindset focused only beyond Banihal and urged the government to be sensitive to Jammu’s sentiments and requirements.
Sham Lal Sharma also raised concerns related to water, power and irrigation, urging the government to expedite proposals to pump water from the Chenab river to Jammu, especially in view of changes in the Indus Water Treaty framework. (KNC)
